Ireland's drug convictions rose 5% in 2025, reaching 5,440, with Dublin leading and several towns seeing sharp increases.

Drug-related convictions in Ireland rose 5% in 2025, reaching 5,440 nationwide, according to Freedom of Information data, with Dublin leading at 2,071 convictions, an 11% increase. Significant spikes occurred in Tullamore (up 180%), Portlaoise (up 95%), Roscommon (doubled), and Waterford (up 17%), while Cork, Clonakilty, and Wexford saw declines. The data, shared with MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, reflects a national trend above pre-pandemic levels, prompting calls for stronger public health and enforcement measures under the upcoming National Drugs Strategy 2026–2029.